USPS First-Class Mail Delivery Time Calculator
The most economical option for sending letters, postcards, and lightweight correspondence. Delivery in 1-5 business days.
Estimated Delivery Time
1-5 days
Business days for most domestic mail
First-Class Mail Delivery Time Calculator
Enter your ZIP codes to estimate First-Class Mail delivery time for your route.
Upcoming USPS Non-Delivery Days:
- Sun, Dec 14 - Sunday - No regular mail delivery
Ready to Calculate
Enter your origin and destination ZIP codes above, then click "Calculate Delivery Time" to see estimated arrival dates for all USPS services.
First-Class Mail Delivery Times
First-Class Mail typically delivers in 1-5 business days. Local mail often arrives in 1-2 days, while cross-country mail may take 3-5 days.
Typical Delivery by Distance:
- Local (same city): 1-2 business days
- Regional (same state): 2-3 business days
- Cross-country: 3-5 business days
First-Class Mail Pricing & Stamps
Forever Stamp: $0.73 for standard letters. Large envelopes start at $1.50. Postcards: $0.56.
| Mail Type | Price (2024) |
|---|---|
| Forever Stamp (Letter, 1 oz) | $0.73 |
| Additional Ounce | $0.28 |
| Postcard | $0.56 |
| Large Envelope (1 oz) | $1.50 |
| Large Envelope (additional oz) | $0.28 |
| International Letter (1 oz) | $1.55 |
Forever Stamps Never Expire
Forever Stamps are valid for mailing letters regardless of when they were purchased or future price increases. Stock up to lock in current prices.
First-Class Mail Size & Weight Limits
Letters
- Weight: Up to 3.5 oz
- Length: 5" to 11.5"
- Height: 3.5" to 6.125"
- Thickness: 0.007" to 0.25"
Large Envelopes (Flats)
- Weight: Up to 13 oz
- Length: 11.5" to 15"
- Height: 6.125" to 12"
- Thickness: Up to 0.75"
Non-Machinable Surcharge
Letters that are square, rigid, or oddly shaped may incur a $0.49 non-machinable surcharge. Keep letters rectangular and flexible to avoid extra fees.
First-Class Mail Types: Letters vs Parcels
First-Class Mail covers two main categories: letters/postcards (for documents and flat mail) and small parcels (for lightweight packages). Each has different size limits, pricing, and tracking options.
First-Class Letters & Postcards
Standard letters up to 3.5 oz using Forever Stamps. Ideal for personal correspondence, bills, invitations, and documents.
- • From $0.73 (Forever Stamp)
- • 1-5 business days delivery
- • No tracking included
First-Class Package Service
Small packages up to 15.99 oz with tracking included. Now part of USPS Ground Advantage for heavier items.
- • From $4.00
- • 2-5 business days delivery
- • Tracking included
First-Class Mail Pros & Cons
- Most affordable mailing option
- Forever stamps never expire
- Works with standard mailboxes
- Reliable for everyday correspondence
- No trip to post office needed for letters
- No tracking on standard letters
- Limited weight (3.5 oz letters, 13 oz large envelopes)
- No insurance included
- Longer delivery window
When to Use First-Class Mail
- Personal letters and cards
- Bills and payments
- Legal documents (with Certified Mail add-on)
- Postcards
- Lightweight business correspondence
First-Class Mail Pro Tips
- 1Use Forever stamps to lock in current prices
- 2Add Certified Mail for important documents
- 3Check weight and size to avoid extra postage
- 4Large envelopes are cost-effective for documents
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does First-Class Mail take?
First-Class Mail typically delivers in 1-5 business days. Local mail often arrives in 1-2 days, while cross-country mail may take 3-5 days. Delivery times are estimates and not guaranteed.
Is First-Class Mail tracked?
Standard First-Class letters and postcards do not include tracking. You can add tracking by using Certified Mail or purchasing a tracking service. First-Class Package Service (now part of Ground Advantage) includes tracking.
How much is a First-Class stamp?
A Forever Stamp for standard First-Class letters (1 oz) costs $0.73 (2024 rate). Forever Stamps never expire and are valid regardless of future price increases. Postcards cost $0.56.
What is the weight limit for First-Class Mail?
First-Class letters can weigh up to 3.5 oz. Large envelopes (flats) can weigh up to 13 oz. For packages over 13 oz, use USPS Ground Advantage or Priority Mail.